Rau defends wine region protection push

South Australian Planning Minister John Rau says a proposed protection zone in the Barossa Valley will not stifle development.

Mr Rau has been touring the region to discuss the SA Government's proposed legislation to restrict urban sprawl into the key wine regions near Adelaide.

Some locals say protection will hurt their local economy, but Mr Rau disputes that will be the case.

"It will stand as a landmark to anybody who is interested in culture and history and heritage that these areas are so valuable that they are being protected," he said.

"It will enhance the opportunity for tourism, recreation and hospitality."

New housing

In northern Adelaide, the not-for-profit organisation Community Housing Limited has developed 25 new houses at Blakeview, in a project jointly funded by the SA and Federal Governments.

SA Social Housing Minister Ian Hunter says the homes will be available to rent for less than 75 per cent of the market rate.

"Every little bit helps. 25 units here, there's another 25 units scattered around Adelaide in various suburbs in the south and in the north," he said.

"What we know of course is that the growth into the future is going to be in the northern area with our defence industries and the army base expanding and the demand for housing out in the north is going to get larger and larger."